**Diversity in the Arts Internship Program Inspires Change in Denver’s Cultural Scene**
Denver’s local arts and culture nonprofits are being encouraged to open their doors to the next generation of arts leaders through the Diversity in the Arts (DITA) internship program, a pivotal initiative aimed at transforming the city’s cultural landscape. With applications open until November 8, 2024, the program invites organizations to serve as host sites for paid, immersive arts administration internships for BIPOC students, aiming to foster inclusivity and equity in the arts sector.
**A Commitment to Change**
DITA, conceptualized in 2018 by local leaders Chrissy Deal, Rachel Basye, and Erin Yoshimura, was developed to tackle the lack of diversity in arts hiring practices. With backing from the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, the program strives to build a robust pool of talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, ready to enter Denver’s vibrant arts scene.
Chrissy Deal, a founder of DITA and a prominent advocate for inclusivity, shares the motivation behind the program’s creation: “Having spent years navigating cultural organizations where my own lived experiences as a Chicana and Latina felt marginalized, it became crucial to change the narrative. We are actively building pathways for diverse talent to be seen and valued.”
**Ensuring Suitable Host Sites**
The program’s success hinges on identifying host organizations that not only support diversity but demonstrate a resolute commitment to equity. These organizations must offer meaningful and substantial work opportunities, ensuring that interns are genuinely integrated into the organization’s operations. By achieving this, DITA helps dismantle excuses for the lack of diverse hires by creating a pipeline of capable, diverse leaders.
“We want to partner with forward-thinking organizations that emphasize creating welcoming environments, especially for those from historically marginalized communities,” Deal stated. Applications are accepted from nonprofits in Denver and surrounding areas like Boulder, Aurora, and more, provided they meet these crucial criteria.
**Personal Journeys and Impactful Career Transformations**
Keandra Hunt’s journey from DITA intern to board member and employee at Creative Strategies for Change exemplifies the program’s transformative potential. In 2022, Hunt moved to Denver without a clear career path, only to find an ideal confluence of her theatre degree and newfound passion for social justice through DITA.
Hunt credits her fruitful transition into arts administration to the program. “I’d never seen someone like me in a role like this. Knowing the realities and challenges firsthand has fueled my desire to bring diverse narratives into the foreground of our cultural conversations,” she shared.
Her story stands as a testament to the importance of diversity and representation in arts leadership. It highlights the vital role that internships like those offered by DITA play in providing practical, career-altering opportunities for young professionals.
**The Broader Community Impact**
For Denver residents, the broader implications of DITA’s success are significant, adding to the local impact by not only enriching the arts but encouraging a more inclusive public sector. By cultivating and empowering a diverse range of voices, the program promises a more vibrant, representative arts community that reflects Denver’s multicultural fabric.
Furthermore, the dialogue surrounding DITA brings much-needed attention to longstanding questions about inclusivity and representation in the arts. By creating space for young, underrepresented voices, DITA helps stimulate economic activity and nurture the region’s cultural vitality.
**Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Emerging Leaders**
The upcoming DITA cycle is poised to continue this momentum, with internship applications opening on January 6, 2025, and the program slated to run from June 2 to August 8. Annually selecting 10 candidates, the program offers eager, young professionals invaluable exposure and experience, with the potential for significant real-world impact.
Future candidates and interested organizations are urged to engage with the program and explore its possibilities, emphasizing that collaborative change is both possible and necessary. With each new DITA cycle, the hope lies in further dissolving the barriers to diversity in Denver’s arts scene, reinforcing the community’s commitment to an inclusive cultural future.
**Participate and Transform**
For those interested in applying or becoming host sites, DITA provides comprehensive resources and guidance on its website. As organizations and individuals alike ponder the merits of diving into this transformative journey, the call to action is clear. With strategic vision and collective effort, the cultural sector can continue to evolve and thrive within a framework that values equitable participation by all.
Through such initiatives, Denver is steadily crafting a blueprint for inclusive leadership in the arts, setting the stage for a rich tapestry of voices and stories to shape the local narrative for generations to come.
